Source: The Hindu  Indian Express and others

President Murmu honours 45 teachers with National Teacher Awards

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday (September 5, 2025) gave the National Teacher Awards to 45 teachers from across the country for their exemplary contribution to teaching and learning. From novel methods of teaching and dedication to students’ growth to attempts to enhance learning achievements in difficult environments, the awardees were recognised at the annual award ceremony. Among the awardees is M. Devananda Kumar, Faculty of Telugu at Dr Lakireddy Hanimireddy Government Degree College, Mylavaram, Andhra Pradesh, who has received the award for his innovative teaching practices.

Mob vandalises National Emblem at Hazratbal Shrine

A mob vandalised the National Emblem engraved on a plaque during a protest at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar on Friday (September 5, 2025). The incident took place on a day when Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the Lieutenant Governor of denying a holiday as per the Islamic calendar on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad and “hurting sentiments of people”.

GST reforms will cause ₹3,700 crore revenue loss to government: SBI report

The State Bank of India (SBI), in its latest research report, said reforms in Goods & Services Tax (GST) through reduction in rates will cause a minimal revenue loss of ₹3,700 crore. The government estimates the net fiscal impact of GST rates rationalisation will be ₹48,000 crore on an annualised basis. According to the report, given the growth and consumption boost, the minimal revenue loss is estimated at ₹3,700 crore and will have no impact on the fiscal deficit. The report said the GST rate rationalisation will largely have a positive impact on the banking sector owing to meaningful cost efficiencies.

Jaishankar to join Brazil-led BRICS virtual summit on Trump tariffs: MEA

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at a virtual summit of BRICS nations on Monday (September 7, 2025), the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi on Friday (September 5, 2025), announcing India’s participation in the meeting convened by Brazilian President Lula da Silva to discuss tariffs imposed by the U.S.

Meitei group rejects Suspension of Operations pact with Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), one of the largest Meitei civil society groups in Manipur, has rejected the signing of a Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, stating that the decision taken by the Centre “reflects an undemocratic and hegemonic imposition upon the indigenous people and its elected representatives of Manipur.”

Northern States get reprieve from rain but grapple with aftermath of floods

Even as northern Indian States experienced some relief from relentless rainfall on Friday (September 5, 2025), they continued to grapple with the aftermath of monsoon rains that have wreaked havoc across the region. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in the 24-hour period ending 8:30 a.m., rainfall was recorded at a few places in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, west Rajasthan, while east Rajasthan saw isolated heavy rainfall. In Punjab and Haryana, rains were observed at many places, while in Himachal, it was across most places. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall at most to many places over the country’s northwest and west region during the next seven days.

Collateral consequences of Ukraine conflict, including fuel price, affecting Global South: India tells UNGA

India has voiced regret over the Ukraine conflict’s “collateral consequences”, including prices of fuel, saying countries of the Global South have been left to fend for themselves, as Delhi underscored that diplomatic efforts hold the promise to end the war and bring lasting peace. “India continues to remain concerned over the situation in Ukraine. We maintain that the loss of innocent lives is unacceptable, and no solution can be found on the battlefield,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said on Thursday.

New technology, innovation conclave to ‘replace’ Science Congress to be held in November

Signalling a break from the past, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is set to organise the first-ever Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November. ESTIC may ‘replace’ the Indian Science Congress, the oldest congregation of scientists in India with a rich history predating Independence. Over the years, it has gone into oblivion, with the last being held in 2023.

Recent recusals in Supreme Court, HC, tribunal send mixed signals on transparency

Recent recusals in a top tribunal, a High Court, and finally, the Supreme Court have sent confusing signals about whether judges must reveal why they choose to walk out of cases. At the country’s top court, for instance, August 26 witnessed the inexplicable and sudden recusal of Justice M.M. Sundresh from hearing a bail plea filed by activist and advocate Surendra Pundalik Gadling in the Surjagarh iron ore mine arson case of 2016. The bail case had been with Justice Sundresh’s Bench since July 9, 2024. For well over a year, the case had seen a series of 13 adjournments till the day of the judge’s recusal, on August 26. The adjournments were largely due to the government seeking more time to file a counter-affidavit.

Attorneys General warn OpenAI, other tech companies to improve chatbot safety

The Attorneys General of California and Delaware on Friday (September 5, 2025) warned OpenAI that they have “serious concerns” about the safety of its flagship chatbot, ChatGPT, especially for children and teens. The two state officials, who have unique powers to regulate nonprofits such as OpenAI, sent the letter to the company after a meeting with its legal team earlier this week in Wilmington, Delaware.

Finland to sign declaration on two-State solution for Israel, Palestinians

Finland said on Friday (September 5, 2025) it would sign a French-Saudi declaration on a two-state solution between Israelis and the Palestinians but stopped short of announcing a date for recognising Palestinian statehood. “The process led by France and Saudi Arabia is the most significant international effort in years to create the conditions for a two-state solution,” Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen wrote on X.

Trump says U.S. in ‘very deep’ negotiations with Hamas, urges release of hostages

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (September 5, 2025) that Washington was in “very deep” negotiations with Palestinian militant group Hamas and urged them to release all hostages held in Gaza. “We are in very deep negotiation with Hamas,” Mr. Trump told reporters, saying the situation will be “tough” and “nasty” if Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages.

Google hit with $3.45 billion EU antitrust fine over adtech practices

Alphabet’s Google was hit with a 2.95-billion-euro ($3.45 billion) EU antitrust fine on Friday (September 5, 2025) for anti-competitive practices in its lucrative adtech business, marking its fourth penalty in its decade-long fight with EU competition regulators. The move by the European Commission was triggered by a complaint from the European Publishers Council and comes amid a threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to retaliate against the European Union for any push against Big Tech.

Anutin Charnvirakul wins vote in Parliament, set to become Thailand’s next Prime Minister

Veteran Thailand politician Anutin Charnvirakul won a vote in Parliament on Friday (September 5, 2025) to become the country’s next Prime Minister, according to an unofficial running tally broadcast live on television. Mr. Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, won more than 247 votes — the required majority — from the House of Representatives’ 492 active members. His total must be certified after voting is completed. He and his government are expected to take office a few days after obtaining a formal appointment from King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Centre to keep vigil to ensure GST benefits passed fully to consumers, says Piyush Goyal

The Centre will keep vigil to ensure that the benefits of GST rationalisation are passed on fully to consumers, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday (September 5, 2025), stating that the industry has given him assurance that the entire fall in taxes on various items will be reflected in their prices. “While the Centre will maintain vigilance to ensure that consumers get the full benefits of reduced taxes, states should also monitor it,” he said while addressing a BJP press conference.

ICC announces Women’s ODI World Cup schedule

The International Cricket Council announced that the upcoming edition of the eight-team women’s ODI World Cup will take place from September 30 to November 2 across five venues in India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan capital will be organising all games featuring Pakistan. The venues for the knockouts will depend on Pakistan’s qualification, as two alternative venues have been identified for one semifinal and the final. The eight teams that will feature in the Women’s World Cup are India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The teams will clash in 28 league matches in a round-robin format.

Alcaraz ousts Djokovic to reach U.S. Open final

Carlos Alcaraz overpowered Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book his place in the U.S. Open final on Friday and set up a potential blockbuster showdown with defending champion Jannik Sinner. Spanish second seed Alcaraz produced a ruthlessly efficient display to end Djokovic’s latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes.

Asia Cup | Buoyant India hopes to book final spot

Five games into the tournament and two wins away from assuring itself of a World Cup spot, the Indian men’s hockey team has finally begun to look like the free-flowing machine it was expected to be during the Asia Cup. On Saturday, it would look to continue the momentum against China in its final Super 4s match.

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather set to meet in exhibition boxing match in 2026

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are set to meet in an early 2026 matchup of boxing Hall of Famers.  Tyson, who will turn 60 next year, will return to the ring after his loss to Jake Paul last year in an eight-round bout. He’ll meet the unbeaten Mayweather, 48, who said the “exhibition will give the fans what they want”. Tyson said in the release announcing the fight, “When CSI came to me about stepping in the ring with Floyd Mayweather, I thought, ‘No way this happens.’ But Floyd said yes.”